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Suggest Treatment For Brittle Nails
Question: There has been no improvement in condition of my nails. I'm using vitamin E oil 2x daily
Also a product to harden the nails.
I don't do the dishes or use harsh chemicals on hands. I feel it's systemic. What do u think?
Thanks
Also a product to harden the nails.
I don't do the dishes or use harsh chemicals on hands. I feel it's systemic. What do u think?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Detailed evaluation is needed to find out the cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the followup.
As I said, you are having a condition called "onycholysis/onychoschizia". It is a condition characterized by painless and gradual thinning of nails and detachment of nails from nail bed.
Detailed evaluation is needed to find out what exactly causing this condition. It can be idiopathic in many cases where we can not find out the exact cause for this condition. It is quite common in elderly because of atrophy(thinning) of nail tissues.
Considering your age I think it could be age related in your case.
Fungal infection(tinea unguium) can also cause similar clinical presentation, which respond well to topical antifungal medicines. Psoriasis affecting the nails can also cause this.
As you doubt, many systemic illness can also cause this. Systemic illness like thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, and chronic kidney disease can cause this.
Detailed evaluation by a dermatologist is needed rather that trying over the counter medicines.
If it is a fungal infection it will respond well to topical and oral antifungals.
Check your thyroid, hemogram, and RFT( renal function test) to rule out any predisposing conditions.
So I suggest you to consult a dermatologist at the earliest to make a confirmed diagnosis.
As of now you can try the following:-
(1)-Avoid trauma to affected nail.
(2)-Avoid exposure to irritant chemicals.
(3)-You can continue your vitamin supplements.
(4)-Keep your nails dry all the time.
keep in mind that it will take long time to complete remission of the illness.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr.Shinas Hussain
Detailed evaluation is needed to find out the cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the followup.
As I said, you are having a condition called "onycholysis/onychoschizia". It is a condition characterized by painless and gradual thinning of nails and detachment of nails from nail bed.
Detailed evaluation is needed to find out what exactly causing this condition. It can be idiopathic in many cases where we can not find out the exact cause for this condition. It is quite common in elderly because of atrophy(thinning) of nail tissues.
Considering your age I think it could be age related in your case.
Fungal infection(tinea unguium) can also cause similar clinical presentation, which respond well to topical antifungal medicines. Psoriasis affecting the nails can also cause this.
As you doubt, many systemic illness can also cause this. Systemic illness like thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, and chronic kidney disease can cause this.
Detailed evaluation by a dermatologist is needed rather that trying over the counter medicines.
If it is a fungal infection it will respond well to topical and oral antifungals.
Check your thyroid, hemogram, and RFT( renal function test) to rule out any predisposing conditions.
So I suggest you to consult a dermatologist at the earliest to make a confirmed diagnosis.
As of now you can try the following:-
(1)-Avoid trauma to affected nail.
(2)-Avoid exposure to irritant chemicals.
(3)-You can continue your vitamin supplements.
(4)-Keep your nails dry all the time.
keep in mind that it will take long time to complete remission of the illness.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr.Shinas Hussain
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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